Video Remote Sign Language Interpreting and Health Communication for Deaf Patients

Does the use of video remote interpreting (VRI) significantly improve communication outcomes compared with usual communication tools among Deaf patients?This randomized clinical trial involving 210 Deaf patients found that VRI did not always result in improved communication between Deaf individuals and physicians. While attentiveness, completeness, and other aspects of communication were rated more highly among participants using VRI, there were no differences in clarity and feeling listened to, among others.The findings of this randomized clinical trial suggest that VRI alone is not sufficient to ensure quality communication between health care professionals and Deaf individuals.

Corresponding Author: Minerva Rivas Velarde, MSc, PhD, Geneva School of Health Science, Av. de Champel 47, 1206 Genève, Switzerland (Minerva.Rivas@unige.ch).

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